Rice straw burning is a major source of air pollution in Hanoi, especially during the harvest seasons of rice. Despite the efforts and policies of the authorities to curb this practice, many farmers still choose to burn their straw instead of collecting or recycling it. What are the reasons behind this phenomenon and what can be done to solve it?
According to the Department of Natural Resources and Environment of Hanoi, about 1.5 million tons of rice straw are generated annually in the city, of which only 10% are collected and recycled. The rest are either burned or left to decompose in the fields. This causes serious environmental and health problems for the city and its people.
Rice straw burning emits a large number of fine dust particles (PM2.5), which can penetrate deep into the lungs and cause respiratory diseases, such as asthma, bronchitis, and lung cancer. According to a study by the Institute of Environmental Science and Technology under Hanoi University of Science and Technology, straw burning contributes to 18-20% of PM2.5 levels in Hanoi during the harvest seasons. Moreover, straw burning also releases greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide, which contribute to global warming and climate change.
Dr. Nguyen Thi Lan Anh, deputy director of the Institute of Environmental Science and Technology, said that rice straw burning is not only harmful to the environment and human health but also wasteful of natural resources. Rice straw can be used as a raw material for many products, such as biofuel, fertilizer, paper, animal feed, mushroom cultivation, handicrafts, etc. She suggested that farmers should be encouraged and supported to collect and recycle their straw instead of burning it.
However, many farmers still prefer to burn their rice straw because they face many difficulties and barriers in collecting and recycling it. Some of these challenges include:
- Lack of awareness and knowledge: Many farmers are not aware of the negative impacts of straw burning or the benefits of straw recycling. They also lack information and skills on how to collect and process their straw efficiently and safely.
- Lack of infrastructure and equipment: Many areas do not have adequate facilities or machines for straw collection and transportation. Farmers also do not have enough storage space or tools for straw processing or preservation.
- Lack of market and incentives: There is not enough demand or price for straw products in the market. Farmers also do not receive enough subsidies or support from the government or other organizations for their straw collection or recycling activities.
- Lack of regulations and enforcement: There are not enough laws or rules that prohibit or penalize straw burning. There is also not enough monitoring or inspection by the authorities or the community to prevent or detect straw burning cases.
The goal of zero rice straw burning
To address these challenges and achieve the goal of zero rice straw burning in Hanoi, the article suggests some solutions that require cooperation and coordination among different stakeholders:
- The government should issue more policies and regulations that ban or discourage straw burning and promote straw collection and recycling. The government should also provide more financial support or incentives for farmers who collect or recycle their straw. The government should also invest more in infrastructure and equipment for rice straw collection and transportation.
- The farmers should change their mindset and behavior toward rice straw burning. They should be more aware of the environmental and health impacts of rice straw burning and the economic benefits of rice straw recycling. They should also learn how to collect and process their rice straw properly and safely.
- The businesses should create more demand and market for rice straw products. They should also provide more technical assistance or training for farmers on how to produce high-quality rice straw products that meet customer needs.
- The public should support the efforts to reduce straw burning by buying more rice straw products or participating in awareness campaigns or volunteer activities.
The article concludes by saying that reducing straw burning is not only a responsibility but also an opportunity for everyone to contribute to a cleaner environment and a healthier society.
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